OST-97-2857 / US Airways [Exemption Philadelphia-London Gatwick)] / September 11, 1997

Application of

for an exemption pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 40109
[(Philadelphia - London (Gatwick)]

Pursuant to Rule 407 of the Department's Rules of Practice (14 C.F.R. Part 302.407), US Airways, Inc. hereby replies to the answers filed in response to US Airways' application for expedited exemption authority to serve the Philadelphia-London (Gatwick) route. No party opposes the grant of US Airways' application to fly between Philadelphia and London (Gatwick). Indeed, the application was strongly supported by the City of
Philadelphia and numerous government and civic parties, including: 

· Rick Santorum, U.S. Senator, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

· Arlen Specter, U.S. Senator, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

· Tom Ridge, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

· Samuel McCullough, Secretary, Department of Community
and Economic Development, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

  · Bradley L. Mallory, Secretary of Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

· Elizabeth Sarge Voras, Deputy Secretary for Aviation, Rail Freight and Ports, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

  · R. Thomas Buffenbarger, International President International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers  

· Patricia A. Friend, International President Association of Flight Attendants

  · Marianne Moore, Legislative Affairs Chair Association of Flight Attendants

· John P. Claypool, Executive Director Greater Philadelphia First

  · Tom Muldoon, President Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau  

· Charles P. Pizzi, President Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

  · Meryl Levitz, President The Greater Philadelphia Marketing Corporation

This strong showing of support demonstrates the compelling need for US Airways' Philadelphia-London service.

The Philadelphia-London route is a valuable bilateral right that has lain dormant since American abandoned its service two and a half years ago. Philadelphia and over 60 on-line cities spanning out from US Airways' hub now have the prospect of receiving the substantial benefits of new convenient service to London. Prompt approval of US Airways' application will make this prospect a reality and enable US Airways to seek the necessary operating slots for the launch of London service next spring. US Airways urgently requests that the Department grant approval of US Airways' application at the earliest possible date.

WHEREFORE, US Airways, Inc. respectfully renews its request that the Department process this application on an expedited basis; promptly grant US Airways an exemption from 49 U.S.C. § 41101, effective for a period of two years, authorizing US Airways to serve the Philadelphia-London (Gatwick) route; and designate US Airways for the purpose of operating Philadelphia-London services under the U.S.-U.K. Air Transport Agreement.

Respectfully submitted,

ZUCKERT SCOUTT, Richard Mathias, Frank Costello, Cathleen Peterson
Counsel for US Airways, Inc.

September 11, 1997